I have decided love Arizona. It had been 10 yrs since we had our first visit and yes I love it and will always go back even though I personally like to travel other places. We spent 3 nights outside of Scottsdale but went into town every night and found some great spots! Below is an easy long weekend itinerary!
Land at Phoenix airport and head to The Boulders Resort and Spa in Carefree. Its about an 45 min drive but when you have a limo and champagne, the drive goes much faster. We didn’t rent a car this trip knowing we were going to enjoy the resort and having a driver at night. Scottsdale was around 30 mins away and the drive was worth exploring downtown yet staying at a resort to enjoy the ambiance .
BOULDERS RESORT AND SPA
This Curio golf property had amazing views, beautiful rooms and luxury service. The property is really big so they have a golf cart service you can call when you need to walk far or if you are in heels! First off, the staff was so accommodating, given the fact they were short on staffed. Marchella made bomb cocktails by the pool, were we spent our whole day and she was beyond attentive. Jim and Bill were our favorite golf cart drivers, always smiling! We arrived early so while waiting for our room we went over to The Grill for lunch and drinks.
The casitas were adobe vibe with a fireplace, huge bathroom and a private deck. After walking the property, the best casitas with killer views are rooms 264 or 265. I am for sure asking for those next time. The only downfall to this property is its far away from Scottsdale proper and if you are a coffee snob like me, they only offer black. Next time I would catch an Uber or rent a car. One morning we did Uber Eats for breakfast so we could enjoy the view from our deck but due to the staff shortage, it took forever.
The golf course looks amazing. The guys were bummed they didn’t pack their clubs but they also just wanted to relax. The property has a spa, fitness center, tennis courts and even pickle ball courts. We ate at the Spotted Donkey Cantina, enjoyed lunch at The Grill and breakfast at Palo Verde. Eddie was our server for breakfast and we loved him!
UNDERTOW BAR
Want to feel like Captain Jack Sparrow? Or a sultry siren of the sea? Head to the secret nautical inspired bar, Undertow, to enjoy tropical drinks. Voted Best Cocktail Bar in Phoenix, the menu has something for everyone, featuring rums from all over the world. We sat at the bar which made the experience even more exciting as you watch the bar creators making insane cocktails. I strongly advise reservations. We shared the Volcano bowl, which is a play off of Don the Beachcomber, MN!
GREY HEN RX
Next door to Undertow is Grey Hen RX, another hidden bar. This is set in old New Orleans and inspired by the first licensed pharmacists. The apothecary experience curates old school New Orleans themed cocktails. I had the mandrake! It was as delicious as it was pretty! Platform 18 is also located next to Grey Hen RX so you could literally bar hop all in one building!
RESERVE
The most upscale dining experience I’ve ever enjoyed! Executive Chef Gustavo, Chef Daniel and Chef Benjamin present a 14 course tasting menu with wine pairing set in an intimate outdoor setting. My highlights of the meal were the Royal Ostera Caviar, Wagyu strip which you used a rosemary sprig to apply melted wagyu fat candle and the lobster corn pudding. We split the wine pairing as it adds to the entire experience. Make your reservations if you want luxurious flavors, high end service and a night to remember. You may just want to forget the investment!
JOJO COFFEEHOUSE
If you want a coffee flight as your upper mixed with a mimosa flight as your downer, do not miss JOJO! The mimosa flight had flavors like pineapple, apple pie and peach! My favorite coffees on the flight were the white mocha and caramel macchiato! One of the best brunch experiences ever. My favorite bites were the avocado toast and the cinnamon roll pancakes which had a swirl of cinnamon in the middle. Its located near the airport so its the best place to start your trip or to end it!
NOBU
We had reservations as Francine, a highly rated French restaurant outside of Fashion Square, but we arrived early so we hit up NOBU for drinks and my favorite yellowtail sashimi. Long story shot, Francine was a bust. The drinks were not good and after ordering our flavorless apps we went back over to NOBU for more lychee martinis and fabulous sushi! I typically don’t love to go to restaurants that are all over the world but this was a hit. The vibe was awesome and it was fun to sit outside and watch all the cars I will never be able to afford roll up for valet. Be sure to walk inside Fashion Square for a bit. Its the prettiest mall I have ever seen.
Scottsdale has a won me over and this will become a yearly repeater just like Napa is!